The Brumbies got one up on their former coach and extended their lead at the top of the Australian conference with a convincing 16-9 win over Jake White’s Sharks in a fiery encounter at GIO stadium.

It was White’s first trip back to Canberra since walking out on the Brumbies mid-contract at the end of last season.

Man-of-the-match Sam Carter scored the only try of an ill-tempered clash 15 minutes from full-time to lead the Brumbies to a satisfying victory over the ladder-leading Sharks.

Christian Lealiifano’s trusty kicking boot was also key as he slotted three penalties and a conversion, while the usually reliable Francois Steyn managed just three penalty goals from six attempts for the visitors.

The Springbok also kicked the ball out on the full twice from re-starts and failed to find touch with a penalty kick.

Both sides suffered casualties in a bruising and niggly top-of-the-table clash in wet conditions, with winger Joe Tomane the worst off after suffering a cheekbone injury.

The two teams employed similar tactics but Brumbies scored a points victory in the physical battle and won the kicking duel as both looked to play field position.

Lealiifano nailed two first-half penalties to send the Brumbies into the shed ahead 6-3
He extended the margin to 9-6 after the break before Nic White sent Carter charging through a gap from close range for the only five-pointer of the contest.

Steyn slotted his third penalty goal in the 72nd minute but the visitors had to settle for a bonus point for finishing within seven points.

Despite the loss the Sharks remain on top of the Super Rugby ladder, two points clear of the Brumbies who sit third.

Surprise, surprise. Blake Ferguson has found himself embroiled in media speculation yet again. Controversial figure Ferguson, has now been linked with a cross-code switch to rival sport Rugby Union, a move in which he feels will re-invent his hiccup-prone career.